Despite growing demands for abolition during the interim government period, RAB ultimately remained intact. The force was established under the Armed Police Battalion (Amendment) Act, 2003.

Section 13 of the law provides immunity, stating that no member of the force can face civil, criminal or other legal proceedings for actions carried out in “good faith” under the act.

The final report of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances recommended repealing this immunity provision and bringing all security forces under strict legal accountability. However, no such steps have yet been taken. Discussions about enacting a separate law governing RAB have also failed to progress.

A committee chaired by retired Lieutenant General Abdul Hafiz, who served as special assistant on defence and national integration development to the then chief adviser of the interim government, had also been formed to consider restructuring RAB. The committee recommended renaming the force the “Special Intervention Force” or SIF, a proposal reportedly approved by the chief adviser at the time. The home ministry had also spoken of changing RAB uniforms and reforming its operations, but none of those initiatives were ultimately implemented.

Amid the ongoing debate, RAB’s operational activities have also slowed significantly. Major drives have declined over the past five years, including operations related to arms recovery, organised crime, robbery and piracy.

Officials from different levels within the force told Prothom Alo that RAB’s activities are now largely confined to routine operations, with an emphasis on avoiding any new controversy surrounding the organisation.